Jarret Johnson spent first nine years of career in Baltimore

After nine seasons in Baltimore, the outside linebacker left so many things behind when he signed with the Chargers this year. Phone numbers, usefully enough, weren't one of them.

In the days leading up to Sunday's matchup with his former team, Johnson scrolled through his cell phone directory and found every number of a Ravens offensive player he had. Then, he sent a mass text message to the group.

"I told them I was going to kick all of their asses," Johnson said recently with a laugh.

It was all in good fun.

Some ex-teammates responded. Others, like running back Ray Rice, resisted the urge.

There appears to be no bad blood between the two sides, who've expressed mutual admiration.

"I was going to put a little ‘laugh out loud,’ but no response," Rice said to Baltimore media. "We know what kind of guy Double J is. He’s the ultimate pro, and we’ve got tremendous respect for him.”

Johnson is one of five Chargers players to have begun their career in Baltimore.

Johnson, a fourth-round pick, and Franklin, a fifth rounder, entered the league together in 2003 as defensive linemen. Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs was part of that draft class as well.

In a media conference call, Suggs said Johnson "will always be a brother to me." Likewise, Johnson still feels connected to Baltimore.

"It's where I learned to play," Johnson said. "I went from a late-round pick to a backup for four years, worked my way up to a starting role into being a leader. I've been from the low end of the locker room to one of the more respected guys in the locker room.

"I've got friends for a lifetime over there. It's a special place to me."